Combination electric plug and switch



June 12, 1928. 1

S. N. GRIFFITH COMBINATION. ELECTRIC PLUG AND SWITCH Original Filed Oct. 18, 1923 2 SheetsSheet-- 1 gwmmtoc 511E113 N. Griffith June 12 1928.

s. N. GRIFFITH COMBINATION ELECTRIC PLUG AND SWITCH Original Filed Oct. 18, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jwuenloz EHE E N. Griffith Patented uric 12, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SHELBY N. GRIFFITH, 0F MONONGAHELA, PENNSYLVANIA. I

COMBINATION ELECTRIC PLUG AND SWITCH.

Application filed October 18, 1928, Serial No. 669,381. Renewed November 1, 1927.

This invention relates to improvements in electrical connections.

The primary object ofthis invention is the provision of improvements in attachment plugs of electrical apparatus, embodying a novel switch structure which may be used in conjunction therewith.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a novel switch apparatus which may be used as a part of electrical attachment sockets and plugs, being of a relatively simple nature and cooperating in compact and etfectivemanner with thecon'ventional socket and plug attachment parts.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an attachment socket which embodies a switch mechanism; the attachment socket being preferably that type which is used in connection with electric wires, which are connected tothe terminals thereof, and providing asocket for the reception of the contacts of an electrical appliance, such as an electric iron, toaster, stove, or the like. With such socket it will be at all times convenient for a, person to regulate the flow of current to the electrical appliance being heated, without the necessity of resort to remote switches.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken through the preferred form of the invention, showing more part cularly the application of the principle of this invention to an attachment socket.

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the improved socket, showing the construction thereof.

Fig. 3 is an opposite end view of the improved attachment socket. a

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line H of Figure 1.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a novel type of contact member used in the improved attachment.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken throu han attachment plug, showing the application of the .principle of this invention thereto. 7

- Fig. 7 is an endview of the inserting body portion of the improved plug illustrated in Figure 6. I I

l igs. 8 and 9 are cross sectional views taken on their respective lines in Figure 6 of the drawings.

Fig. 10 is a novel contact member used in connection with the plug illustrated in F igure 6.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration are shown electrical connections of different types'towhich the principle of this invention may be applied, the letter A may generally designate an attachnient socket which may include the socket body portion F, and binding terminal carrying portion H. The attachment plug K see Figure 6 to which the principle of this invention is applied may include the insertin body portion L, and the binding termimfi carrying portion M.

Referring to the construction of the attachment socket A, the socket portion proper or body portion F thereof is preferably split longitudinally in accordance with the well known construction, and includes the complementary sections 15 and 16 which may be secured together in detachable relation by means of bolts or screw devices 17, which extend transversely therethrough. The forward portion of the body F, as provided b' the sections 15 and 16. thereof, is flattene and provides the openings 19 and 20, within which the reinforcing or protecting metal sleeves 21 are mounted to provide socket openings for the reception of con tacts. The socket openings of the sections 15 and 16 are so grooved in the facing or contacting surfaces of said sections .15

and 16, as to permit the readyen'lbedding of the metal sleeves 21 therein when the sectlons are connected by the elements 17. The rear portion of the body F is substantially cylindrical, tapering to this shape from th e flattened forward shape of the body portion F,

to provide a chamber 25 therein, which is substantially one-half the length of the body POIUOII F, extending to thesocket openings 19 and 20, and being in communication therewith. The chamber 25 is of novel formation, preferably being of greatest diameter at its communication with the socket openings 19 and 20, and tapering in diminishing diameter for outlet at the rear end or face 27 of the body, F. The facing surfaces.

The binding terminal carrying portion H is of insulation material, as are also the sec- .tions and 16 of the body portion F. It is novel construction, prferabl including a forward end 30 of greatest diameter, which is to be disposed within the greatest diam and 34 are led into the attachment socket A through ways and 36 respectivelyprovided longitudinally through the carrying portion H. These wires 33 and 34 are preferably respectively connected to contacts 38 and 39 which are fixedly secured within the terminal carrying portion H and are of iden tical construction. Arcuate recesses 40 and 41 are rovided inwardly of the inside end face of the terminal carrying portion H, which are sufficiently deep to receive the contacts 38 and 39 therein. These recesses 40 and 41 are preferably arcuate, each extending for an arcuation of approximately 90, struck from the axis of the portion H as a center.

Referring more particularly to a type of pivotalconnection of the terminal carrying portion H within the body F, a pivot screw or member 44 may be provided, having its screw threaded end 45 secured within the portion H' inwardly from the inside face thereof, and arranged axially with the portion H. Thesmooth shank portion 46 of the member 44 is pivotally mounted within a suitable opening provided by placing grooves in the se ctions 15 and 16 of the body F, and which opening provides a bearing for the shank 46, so that the portion H may rotate thereabout as an axis.

Referring more particularly to the contacts 38' and 39, the same are of identical construction, each being constructed as shown in Figure 5 and including an attaching flange 47 provided with an aperture 48 therein to receive 'a screw element 49 by means of which the terminals 38 and 39 may respectively be connected to an end of the recesses 40 and 41 to. extend therein.-

Each of these contacts furthermore includes a pair of spring arms 50 and 51, which may be in spaced relation, and are preferably arcuated. These spring arms 50 and 51 are offset from the plane of the attaching flange 47, and lie wholly within the recesses 40 and .terminal carrying portion H, at the 'terial.

or 'out of registering relation with the socket openings, 19 and 20. A suitable attaching flange 52 is of course laterally struck from each of the contacts 38 and 39, preferably from the arm portion 51 thereof, substantially as is illustrated in Figure 5, and which is provided with an aperture 53 therein to receive a setscrew by means of which the conducting wires 33 and 34 may be attached to the contacts 38 and 39.

In connection with theattachment of the attachment connector A. to an appliance R,

it is preferred that said appliance R be provided with special contacts or prongs 55 and 56. These prongs or contacts 55 and 56 may be attached in any suitable manner 57 tov the frame 58 of the appliance R, depending upon the character of the appliance R, whether the same is a stove; iron, toaster,

or the like. Each of the prongs 55 and 56 preferably include the cylinder portion 59 adapted to be received within the socket openings 19 or 20, and a forwardly extending preferably flat or arcuatc portion 60, which, when the connector A receives the prongs 55 and 56 extend into the chamber 25 thereof. The forwardly extending ends 60 of the contacts or prongs 55 and 56 respectively extend into the recesses 40 and 41 of the,

with the wires 33 and 34,,in facile manner.

It is apparent, that by merely. turnin the ob portion 32, that an operator may conveniently place the appliance R in or out of electrical connection with the terminal wires,

without the necessity of detaching the socket device A from the prongs 55 and 56, as is now the custom. c

The principle of this invention as applied to the attachment plug K, see Figure 6, contemplates the provision of the inserting por'-. tion L, which is preferably f two part construction, including the maininsulation support portion 71, which at its inserting end is preferably provided with the threaded contact shell 70 of metal. Inwardly of the face or surface 72 at the opposite end of the inserting face portion 71, a cylindrical shalged. 5

chamber 73 is provided. which rotate ly receives therein a section 74 of the inserting portion L. The section 74 is of substantially cylindrical formation and of insulation ma- The section 74 is preferably provided with an inwardly extending annular guide flange 75, which cooperates within an annular groove 7 6 provided at the bottom of the chamber 73. in this position the outer face of the section 74 lies flush with the face 72 of the body 71. A pivoting screw 77 is preferably provided, axially disposed through the section 74, and rotatably receiving the section 74 thereon; the screw threaded end of the pivoting screw 77 being affixed in the section 71' so as to connect the sections 71 and 74 to permit relative rotational movement thereof.

Within the bod section 71 an annular pocket 80 is provi ed, just above the chamber 73, which is adapted to receiveportions of contacts of the cap or binding terminal carrying portion M, as will be subsequently described. At the extreme inserting end of the body 71 passageways 82 and 83 are preferably provided, which communicate with the annular pocket 80 and'outlet upon the.

forward face 84 of the inserting portion L. Contacts 86 and 87 of identical formation are respectively disposed in the passageways 82 and 83. The contact 86 is adapted for sageways of the inserting body portion 71.

At their free ends the arms 95 and 96 are provided with the laterally extending and relatively outturned guide flanges 97 which preferably extend into the annular pocket portion 80 of the inserting portion L.

Referring to the binding terminal carrying portion M, the same is of conventional construction, including the insulating body 100, which at its inside face provides. a pocket 101 within which the contact. terminals 102 and 103 are secured, as by set screws 104. The axial passageway 106 is provided, through which the conducting wires (not shown) may extend for attach ment to the contacts 102 and 103, as by the set screws 105. The contacts 102 and 103 provide relatively long inserting shanks, which are adapted for respective extension through passageways 109 and 110 provided in the movable section 74 of the insert ng portion L; said contacts 102 and 103 being suliiciently long to extend into the pocket 80 of the inserting portion L for respective cooperation with the contacts 86 and 87.

It must be understood that it is preferred that the portions L and M of the plug K be of a detachable nature. Notwithstanding this, means is provided within the plug structure K to insure the thoroughly coupled relation of the plug portions L and M independent of the positioning of the com tacts 102 and 103 with respect to their cooperating contacts 86 and 87 respectively. This means preferably includes the provision of a pair of resilient clampingarms 111 and 112 in each of the passageways 109 and 110, which are right angled at theirforward ends, and connected by appropriate screws to the section 74.- The free ends of the arms 111 and 112, are preferably. relatively-outturned adjacent the face 72 of the inserting portion L, to permit the easy insertionof the contacts 102 and 103 therein. lit is to be observed that the attaching end 113 of the through, through which the contacts 102 and 103 may be easily slid.

Referring to the operation of the invention, the application of the plug K in an appropriate socket is well understood. However, when performing as a switch, to place the wires which are carried by the portion M in conducting relation with the terminals of a socket, the contacts 102 and 103 are firmly coupled by the arms 111 and 112 thru the inserting portion L of the plug K so that the free ends of said contacts 102 and 103 extend into the pocket 80 and are in engagement with the contacts 86 and 87, between the arms 95 and 96 of each of said contacts 86 and 87, and substantially as is illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawings. However, when it is desired to disconnect the electric circuit it is merely necessary for the operator to manually turn the cap portion or terminal carrying portion M of the plug K, fonan angle of approximately 90. This operation will have the efl'ect of drawing the ends of the contacts 102 and 103 from the spring arms of the contacts 86 and 87 respectivel to break the circuit. This circuit brea ing operation is performed while the parts L and M of the plug K are fully coupled. This coupling is primarily insured by reason of the gripping action of the spring arms 111 and 112 on the contacts 102 and 103; it of course being understood that the section 74 pivotall moves within the pocket 73 provided there or 'and relative to the portion 71 of the inserting portion L." i

Means may be provided upon the connector to determine the on and off positions of the switch structure therein. This means ma include delineations 120 provided on the bod portion of the unit, and an indicator marl: 121 located on the movable portion of the same. 7

From the foregoing description of this 1 invention it is apparent that a novel type of The attachment plug orcharacteristics thereof, notwithstanding the novel utilization of the switch equipment in connection therewith.

Various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be made to the form of invention herein shown and described, without departing from the spirit of this invention or the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. An attachment plug comprising a body of insulating material having a pocket therein open at one end of the body and terminal receiving passages leading from the inner end of the pocket through the other end of the body, a block rotatably fitting in said pocket and having longitudinally extending wire receiving passages communicating at their inner ends with recesses extending circumfercntially of the inner end of said block and each having a shoulder portion'at the end communicatin with its cooperating passage. and gripping terminals in the recesses of said block and each formed of resilient material and having a flange secured upon the shoulders at the end of the recess and gripping arms extending longitudinally of the recess whereby blade portions of terminals passing throu h the passages of said body may be gripper? between the gripping arms when the block is rotated in the body, one of the gripping arms of each gripping terminal having a tongue struck therefrom and having fastener means carried thereby for engagement with a feed wire.

52. An attachment plug comprising a body of insulating material having a pocket leading from one end and passages leading from its other end andcommunicating withthe pocket, a block of insulating material rotatable in the pocket and having longitudinally extending feed wire passages and its inner end provided with arcnate recesses each communicating at one end with a wire passage, terminals secured in the last mentioned ends of said recesses and each having a base portion'anchored to the block and resilient arms extending from the base portion circumferentially of the block whereby terminal members extending through the passages of said body into the recesses of the block may be gripped between the arms when the block is rotated, and means for connecting feed wires with the terminals secured in the recesses of the block.

3. An electric appliance of the class described comprising a socket portion of two part construction split longitudinally and grooved in the facing surfaces thereof to provide a pocket which terminates intermediate the ends of the socket portion and outlets at one of-the ends of the socket portion, said pocket adjacent the bottom thereof being of largest cross section and being of less and restricted cross section at its outlet at the end of said socket portion. and a movable switch portion mounted in the pocket of said socket portion having an enlarged inner end seating in the enlarged portion of the pocket and extendin through the restricted portion of the pocliet to exteriorly of the socket portion for rotation in said pocket, and wire connecting contacts, carried by the socket portion extending into said pocket, and by the switch portion, said wfre connecting contacts of the socket portion and switch portion being adapted for engagement and disengagement as the switch portion is rotated in the pocket'of the socket portion. 7

4. An attachment plug comprising a body, having a pocket, a block rotatable in the pocket, said body having passages leading from the pocket through one end of the body, terminals in said passages each U- shaped to provide gripping arms and having an attaching tongue secured to the end of the bodv. terminals carried by said block and each having gripping arms extending longitndinally'of the block in spaced relation to each other. a cap member for fitting against said body. and terminals carried by said cap and having arm portions for extending through the block into the passages of said body and having engagement with the terminals of the block and movable into engagement with the terminals of the body when the block is rotated in one direction.

SHELBY N. GRIFF 1TH. 

